Starting a bit early...

Until last Wednesday, underneath our Christmas tree was a barren space waiting for wrapped packages. That day, while the kids were napping, I went to work cutting and taping, and by the time they woke up, colorful presents were tucked under the branches waiting for their reaction. 

I left the Christmas morning gifts from Dave and I in the spare bedroom in the basement, but we decided to unwrap the ones that Grandma McKinstry mailed to us from her, Grandpa McKinstry, and Grandma Swan. Opening them a bit early let the kids enjoy them all this week rather than getting overwhelmed with everything the same day. We didn't get to make our usual trip to the Midwest for the holidays this year, so we took lots of pics to show the grandparents just how much the kids loved their treats.

Caleb had been hoping for this model plane and told me several times over the past few months that he'd like one. Thankfully, Grandma McKinstry made it happen! 

His response upon opening it: "This is the best present ever!"

Octotunes for Reid

Everyone wanted to help play with his new toy.

Hadley got some dress-up masks and loved them.

Her big brother thought they were great too!

Dave's mom can find the most unique presents. I always love to see what she comes up with. For Caleb, she found a toy that tells you all about the different types of dinosaurs - how you pronounce their names, what they ate, where they lived, how they protected themselves, etc.

Hadley got a similiar gift, but hers taught about different animals. You push the block into the holder and it gives you facts about the varying species.

Hadley also got these little blocks that you thread string through. A lot of the cardboard threader sets similar to this aren't age appropriate but these were just right.

She also got a fun game with a GIANT stuffed die.

Next, Caleb opened his marble run. (You can tell from the picture here that he didn't like it one bit. Right?)  While this was the last present he got to unwrap, his grandparents also ordered him another year's subscription to Ranger Rick, which I know he'll appreciate when they come in the mail each month.

A musical weenie dog for Reid! I was going to buy this same gift but Grandma was too quick.

A soft little barn set too for this boy who looks like he needs to go to bed early

I don't know how she finds such adorable toys!

After opening each gift, the kids stopped to play with it before going to the next. Sometimes we even had to pull them away from one so we could get through the others. It made me happy to see how satisfied they were with each present rather than wanting more and more. They truly took their time and enjoyed it.

The marble run was definitely what got the most attention when it was all said and done. Dave helped them get a small tower built and Caleb played with it until bed time. Hadley got to put a marble through a few times too with close supervision, but it's a toy that is a bit dangerous for her with all the small pieces so Caleb will have to play with it when she's not around in the future. He doesn't mind a little big boy time to himself though!

Our second dose of Christmas was at my parents' house. Since Christmas day is always so hectic, Mom decided to host her family on the Sunday before to keep things a bit more sane. I, for one, thought it was a great idea. It worked out well because we all had a chance to visit without feeling so rushed.

Haley was so sweet playing with Hadley.

Hadley likes the village in Mom's window.

Reid got some snuggle time with Pop and a few other family members who just couldn't keep their hands off this cuddly boy.

When the time came to open gifts, Celia was all about her shopping cart from my grandparents.

Caleb got a wonderful surprise too - a truck and horse trailer that he saw in a magazine and asked for several times. He was so excited that he yelled and threw the box in the air, unable to contain himself. It was that priceless reaction when you can tell a little one really got the present they were hoping for and are completely shocked.

Pretty paper...

A Dora piano book for Miss Priss

Aunt Courtney helped open and set him the horse trailer. She and Caleb noted that the pick-up looks like Uncle Brandon's.

Mommy helped Reid open his stocking.

There was a little bit of present opening drama between the little girls. Since Hadley already had a toy shopping cart, Grandma got play food for her instead. Hadley didn't quite understand though and wanted to play with Celia's gift. The two toddlers made quite a scene as they went back and forth over that cart, sneaking it away when the other cousin had her head turned. You can tell by the grown-ups faces in the background that we all got quite a kick out of watching them. 

We tried to get them to take turns, but every time one cousin took her turn, the other would boo-hoo.  All of us felt sorry for the both of them, but at the same time couldn't help cracking up watching how they interacted and responded. 

The both were pretty good at loading up the cart though and made quite a load together.

A lot of Christmas fun already and that's just the beginning!